M.D. 124 supports farm safety in local schools

The M.D. of Lesser Slave River council voted to donate $1,000 to Heartland Training and Support Hub for farm safety presentations in Smith and Slave Lake schools, following a $500 contribution in 2024.

The M.D. of Lesser Slave River council voted at its Jan. 28 meeting to donate $1,000 toward farm safety presentations in Smith and Slave Lake schools. The funding will support Heartland Training and Support Hub (formerly Farm Safety Centre), which delivers agricultural safety programs in Alberta schools. In 2024 the M.D. contributed $500 to the program and Heartland ran 23 presentations in the 2024–25 school year, including four in Smith and 19 at CJ Schurter Elementary in Slave Lake. Council discussion noted that some M.D. children attend school in Slave Lake and addressed how the expense might be shared with the Town of Slave Lake. Key details: - Council approved a $1,000 donation at the Jan. 28 meeting. - Heartland Training and Support Hub requested $2,070 to cover 460 students at a base rate of $4.50 per student. - In 2024 the M.D. donated $500; Heartland delivered 23 presentations locally (four in Smith, 19 at CJ Schurter Elementary in Slave Lake). - Deputy Reeve Norm Seatter proposed splitting the cost with the town and suggested the M.D. pay $1,000; the motion to donate $1,000 passed. Summary: The donation adds to prior support and will help fund upcoming farm safety presentations in Smith and Slave Lake. Undetermined at this time.